Deployable, Stowable Garment Barrier Layer for Footwear Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional garments and articles lack an integrated barrier layer that can be deployed and stowed away as needed, leading to restricted movement and inconvenience when environmental conditions change, and separate barrier layers are cumbersome to manage.
Innovation Solution
Garments with an integrated deployable barrier layer that can be deployed to shield against water, moisture, and precipitation, and stowed within the garment when not needed, using features like elastic portions, magnetic attachments, and fasteners for secure attachment to footwear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate barrier layer component is used to shield against water and moisture, then waterproofness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to carry, store, and manage a separate component
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer is integrated into the garment itself, merging the protective function with the clothing structure. The barrier layer becomes an inherent part of the garment rather than a separate component, eliminating the need to carry and manage separate waterproofing equipment while maintaining protection against water and moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment serves multiple functions: it provides both regular clothing coverage and waterproof protection. The integrated barrier layer allows the same garment to function as both everyday wear and protective gear against environmental elements, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment.
2Ease of operation
If a barrier layer is integrated with the garment, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when environmental conditions change and the barrier layer cannot be stowed away
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer is designed to be dynamically deployable and stowable. It can be extended outward to provide protection when needed and retracted or folded away when not needed, allowing the garment to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining ease of operation through simple user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layer can be nested within or folded into the garment structure when not in use. This nesting capability allows the protective layer to be stored within the confines of the garment itself, enabling the garment to maintain its normal appearance and functionality while retaining the capability for rapid deployment when environmental conditions require protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If a barrier layer is integrated and cannot be moved out of the way, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as the barrier layer restricts movement when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer incorporates movable and flexible components that allow it to be dynamically positioned. It can be extended to provide protection or retracted to clear of the way, enabling the garment to adapt to different situations while maintaining ease of manufacture through straightforward mechanical designs such as elastic portions, magnetic attachments, and fasteners.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides flexibility in deploying and hiding the barrier layer, enhancing waterproofness without hindering movement, and ensuring seamless integration with footwear.
Implementation Method 1
the second portion comprises an elastic portion
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic attachment mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An article of apparel comprising a lower garment with a deployable barrier layer. The deployable barrier layer may comprise a flap attached to an interior region of the lower garment. The flap may be deployed to cover an upper portion of a subject's foot or an article of footwear worn by a subject wearing the article of apparel.